BIO
Abehitha Fernando is a dedicated finance specialist with a passion for academia and impactful research. Graduating with first-class honors from the Department of Finance, USJ, Abehitha demonstrated exceptional skills, earning three gold medals within the department during her convocation in 2017. Transitioning to the corporate sector post-graduation, Abehitha later returned to academia, assuming the role of Temporary Assistant Lecturer at USJ in 2017 and was subsequently appointed as a Lecturer (Probationary) in 2020. She completed her M.Sc. in Management degree at USJ in 2023 with a Merit Pass and is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Oklahoma, USA.
Throughout her tenure at USJ, Abehitha has not only been an active participant in departmental, faculty, and university activities but has also played an active role in guiding student initiatives.
Going forward, she aims to collaborate with universities globally to generate high-quality research, while simultaneously contributing actively to her country's sustainable development.
TEACHING INTERESTS
- Financial Management
- Corporate Finance
- Financial Derivatives
- International Financial Management
RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Sustainable Finance
- Corporate Finance
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
- M.Sc. in Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka (2023)
- B.Sc. Finance (Special), University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka (2016)
AWARDS & HONOURS
- Gold Medal – For excellent academic performance
Awarded by Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA) Sri Lanka - Gold Medal – For excellent academic performance in the field of capital markets
Awarded by Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka - Gold Medal – For excellent academic performance in Investment and Portfolio Management
Awarded by Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI-UK)
PUBLICATIONS
Conference Paper
Executive greed and shareholder wealth: A conceptual paper
2020 International Conference on Business, Commerce and Management Studies
Administrative Assignments
Assistant Secretary - Assistant Secretary of 15th International Conference on Business Management
2018.03.01 - 2018.12.06
Engaged in correspondence with authors and presenters, aiding the secretary in compiling the conference proceeding book and facilitating the seamless operation of sessions.
Faculty Advisor - Faculty Advisor of CFA Institute Research Challenge 2021/22 - Sri Lanka
2021.10.01 - 2022.04.01
The faculty advisor’s primary responsibility is to provide guidance and direction to the team throughout all levels of competition.
Faculty Advisor - Faculty Advisor of CFA Institute Research Challenge 2020/21 - Sri Lanka
2020.10.01 - 2021.02.01
The faculty advisor’s primary responsibility is to provide guidance and direction to the team throughout all levels of competition.
Faculty Advisor - Faculty Advisor of CFA Institute Research Challenge 2019 - Sri Lanka
2019.10.01 - 2019.12.01
The faculty advisor’s primary responsibility is to provide guidance and direction to the team throughout all levels of competition.
Senior Treasurer - Senior Treasurer of Students Association of Finance (SAF)
2022.05.01 - 2023.04.30
Senior Treasurer acts as a fiduciary agent of the financial activities of SAF. Cheques must be signed by the Senior Treasurer and the Junior Treasurer of the SAF, who will be a student
Advisory Treasurer - Advisory Treasurer of Students Association of Finance (SAF)
2023.05.01 - 2024.04.29
The Advisory Treasurer acts as a fiduciary agent of the financial activities of SAF. Cheques must be signed by the Advisory Treasurer and the Treasurer of the SAF, who will be a student